James Key could be the next formula one engineer to join F1′s struggling giant Ferrari.

Multiple media sources, including the authoritative Italian specialist newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, say the Maranello based team is interested in Key, a 40-year-old Briton.

Key’s career dates back to the Jordan days, continuing through the transition to Force India, and he eventually joined Sauber in 2010.

He was the highly respected technical director at the Swiss team until earlier this year, and was therefore in charge of the impressive 2012 Sauber C31, amid speculation he had headed to Lotus’ sports car project.

But the media reports, including in the major German daily Bild, say Ferrari is now interested, particularly because Key is already familiar with the Italian marque through Sauber’s use of the Ferrari drivetrain.

However, when asked what truth there is to the Key rumours, Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni snapped: “Nothing, nada, niente!”

Williams has not denied reports it intends to sell its hydraulic systems and gearboxes to HRT in 2011.

The report emerged in Korea at the weekend, after the famous British team had in September admitted to receiving “enquiries” from other teams about its technical expertise.

“The status quo has not materially changed at the moment,” a spokesman told us on Monday.

“We have publicly confirmed that we are amenable to supply elements of our drivetrain technology to other teams, but as yet we have not reached hard agreement with any customers.

“Of course we will make an announcement – or announcements – if and when we enter into any supply agreements,” the Williams official added.